The lectionary requires worshippers to consider the whole of Holy Scripture; including those passages that strike our ears as harsh and outmoded, as well as verses that endured themselves to us as beautiful. We seek to understand the context of the teachings, as well as the spirit of the principles. We must not tear out pages or cross out verses because we are offended by them. We wrestle to learn and wisely apply the lessons of The Lord’s commandments faithfully believing they are preserved for our benefit by our loving Father. Likewise, we consider The Rule in all its chapters to understand the footings of healthy community that shares vision to growing in greater love of Almighty God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
So, I offer commentary on this chapter with great care. St. Benedict places this chapter between the previous statements regarding godly leaders’ affection for those punished and the next chapter encouraging us to welcome home those who return. However, in this chapter we are faced with someone who refuses correction. This chapter must be kept in context with the previous chapters on discipline. Punishment is not a spontaneous reaction to error, but a thoughtful response to insurrection. The grumbler who seeks to be contentious threatens the entire community if left unchecked. There are numerous warnings to illuminate the seriousness of this threat so that the immature can be taught and the pure of heart can repent. These are difficult lessons in contemporary society where “my rights” eclipse all other considerations of communal needs. However, Benedict lived in an age where discipline was harsh, though not always just. He proscribes social norms that seek justice through graduated responses.
We could become affixed on the 6th Century notion of corporal punishment and miss the lesson of this chapter. Benedict acknowledges there is sometimes an ultimate necessity. Sometimes persons must be released from community. One cannot overemphasize the extremity of such action. Dismissal is the product of failure. Teachings, admonitions, mild forms of social exile failed to rectify the rebellious heart. For the welfare of the community, a beloved member is removed from their fellowship. This may be one of the most difficult of lessons.
We value unity above most things. However, we have witnessed relationships and even church bodies value unity above all things. Destructive heresies have been ignored and the call for repentance has been muted for the sake of unity. Pride destroys.[1] St. Benedict realized that true unity must be built on the firm foundation of submission to the love of Almighty God. It is the poor in spirit who possess the kingdom of Heaven and it is the meek who inherit the earth.[2] May we constantly defer to one another in humility so that such discipline is never necessary. However, should it be required, may our leaders employ it with the tenderness of Christ’s own heart.
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[1] Proverbs 16:18.
[2] Matthew 5:3, 5.
